SWINE POX

Swine Pox

Swine pox is a mild, often unrecognized viral disease occurring worldwide; the virus is the sole member of the genus Suipoxvirus and is transmitted mechanically by the pig louse (Haematopinus suis), with slight fever and rash appearing about a week post-infection, and papules/pustules forming scabs that typically resolve in three to four weeks.

How to Diagnose

  1. Infected piglets show slight fever and rash.

    Piglet with slight fever and rash
  2. Formation of papules in hairless areas, mainly on the belly.

    Papules on hairless belly
  3. Pustule formation over body surfaces and ears due to pox virus infection.

    Pustules over body and ears
  4. Subsequent whitish pustular growth may be seen.

    Whitish pustular growth
  5. Dry, raised nodules 0.5–4 cm in diameter are observed and turn into scabs.

    Dry raised nodules turning into scabs
  6. In recovered pigs, dry scabs fall off leaving white scars.

    White scars after scabs fall off

Type of Samples

From ailing pigs: scab materials and cut pieces of affected lesions.

Laboratory Tests

  • Serological tests – AGPT, CIE, ELISA.
  • Virus isolation.
  • PCR.

Whom To Contact

1) Local Veterinarian Officer / Field Assistant.

2) NERDDL, AH & Vety Khanapara, ADMaC Core Lab, AAU.

a) Dr. N. N. Barman

Email: nnbarman@gmail.com

Mob: 09435558788

b) Dr. Abhijit Deka

Email: docabhijit93@gmail.com

Mob: 09864531247

What will you do

  1. Do not allow pigs to move out.
  2. Separate the affected ones from the healthy.
  3. Inform the nearest Veterinary Doctor / Field Assistant.
  4. Send appropriate samples via Veterinary Doctor / Field Assistant to the nearest diagnostic laboratory / ADMaC Core Lab-I, Khanapara for confirmation.
  5. Wash affected lesions with potash solution and apply antiseptic ointment.
  6. Clean farm premises with phenol.